Highlights from the George Taylor Sr. Memorial Highway Clean-Up

(NVHS staff, dedicated volunteers, and board members)

On October 24th, volunteers met at 7:30 am at the NVHS King Street office, eager to honor a local hero and start our George Taylor Sr. Memorial Highway Clean-Up. Everyone felt a strong sense of teamwork and pride as they prepared for the day. Our team was equipped with gloves, reflective vests, trash grabber sticks, and large trash bags, ready to make a real difference in our community.

This clean-up was more than just picking up trash; it was a chance to honor Sgt. George Taylor Sr.’s legacy and carry on his commitment to service. Our team collected an impressive 22 bags of trash, weighing a total of 110 lbs – a fantastic accomplishment that showed the dedication of each volunteer and the shared goal of a cleaner, more beautiful highway.

A big thank you to everyone who participated! Your hard work and commitment made this event a success, and your efforts have left a lasting, positive impact on our community.

Remembering Sergeant George Lee Taylor Sr.

It’s worth pausing to remember the inspiring individual whose name now graces this stretch of highway and why we started this initiative.

The George Taylor Sr. Memorial Highway Clean-Up isn’t just about keeping a road clean—it’s about continuing a legacy of service and community care. Named after Sergeant George Lee Taylor Sr., this stretch of highway honors a man who dedicated his life to his country and community. Sgt. Taylor served bravely in the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart for his courage. But what made his impact so enduring was his commitment to helping others once he returned home.

As the founder of our organization, Sgt. George tirelessly worked to connect homeless veterans with housing and benefits, making it his life’s mission to support those in need. This clean-up initiative was born from our desire to uphold the values he championed. By keeping the highway named in his honor clean and beautiful, we celebrate his spirit of service and create a visible reminder that his life mission is now ours.

Making a Visible Difference

With an organized approach, our volunteers split into teams and tackled both sides of the highway, from just west of Range Road to east of Crest Cleaners. Everyone worked in harmony, with safety measures in place, including “Litter Crew Ahead” signs, allowing us to clean up effectively and carefully. Everyone on the team came prepared with a positive attitude, comfortable clothing, and a strong sense of purpose.

As we worked our way down the highway, we were inspired by the number of people who cheered us on from passing cars or gave a friendly honk in support. This encouragement fueled us to keep going and pick up every last piece of trash in sight.

Why Clean-Up Events Like This Matter

Our clean-up effort wasn’t just about making the road look nice; it was about preserving the natural beauty of our environment and ensuring the George Taylor Sr. Memorial Highway remains a proud reminder of its namesake’s legacy. Litter, especially along roadsides, can be hazardous to wildlife and create an unpleasant experience for travelers. By clearing these two miles, we didn’t just improve the view – we made the area safer, cleaner, and healthier for everyone who drives this road daily.

Together, we demonstrated that small actions can indeed make a big difference.

Join Us in Keeping Up Amazing Work

Community service brings a special kind of satisfaction. After a few hours of hard work, everyone left with a sense of accomplishment and pride, knowing we had contributed something meaningful. But we know there is more work to be done.

National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) is a non-profit organization that depends on the community’s support to keep initiatives like this one alive. By adopting this two-mile stretch through the Department of Transportation’s Adopt a Highway program, we’ve made a commitment to maintaining the George Taylor Sr. Memorial Highway.

If you couldn’t join us this time, don’t worry, there are always opportunities to do so. Here are our upcoming events:

November 10th: 7th Annual Homestretch 5K for Brevard’s At-Risk and Homeless Veterans
November 28th: 15th Annual Thanksgiving for Homeless and At-risk Veterans

Whether through volunteering at events, donating to support our efforts, or simply spreading the word, every action counts.

Volunteer with Us

Do you feel the same calling to give back? We’d love to have you on our team. Join our future clean-ups and other community projects. It’s a beautiful way to make a difference and connect with like-minded individuals.

Support our Mission

Your contribution, whether big or small, greatly supports our mission and expands our impactful initiatives.

To make a donation, click here or give us a call. Every dollar makes a difference!

Spread the Word

Can’t you join us in person? Help us spread the word. Tell your friends and family about NVHS, our mission, and our events. Share our social media posts or volunteer stories to raise awareness. Together, we can inspire others to get involved, whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or advocating.

You can also share this blog post at the end to any of your social media platforms!